Riley Strain’s family accepts diploma at Mizzou graduation

(NewsNation) — The University of Missouri honored Riley Strain‘s academic accomplishments Saturday at the school’s College of Arts & Science commencement ceremony, presenting a diploma to the 22-year-old’s parents.

Strain went missing March 8 after being ejected from the Luke’s 32 Bridge bar in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. His body was discovered two weeks later in the Cumberland River after an expansive search.

Mizzou honors Riley Strain

The 22-year-old’s death rocked the Mizzou community.

A moment of silence and remembrance for Strain was held during Saturday’s ceremony. Strain’s mother, father and step-parents attended, where they were showered with support from the community.

The ceremony began with Strain’s name read first. All four parents approached the main stage to accept Strain’s diploma. They were greeted with a roaring standing ovation.

Riley Strain’s family seeks answers

On March 23, Nashville police confirmed to local NewsNation affiliate WKRN that Strain’s preliminary autopsy had been completed and his death appeared to be an accident pending toxicology reports, with “no foul play-related trauma” present.

Strain’s family, however, ordered a second autopsy and is continuing to look for other evidence that may shed light on what happened to him.

The Springfield, Missouri, native studied business and financial planning at the university.